WC KMAC​
West Coast Korean Martial Arts Centre
*Taekwon-Do * Haidong Gumdo* Fitness * Self Defense* Kids Tigers*
ABOUT
Mercury TKD was founded at the end of 2012 by Barend Snyman. A then 1st Degree black belt in ITF Taekwon-Do. This qualification was obtained under the instruction of 6th Degree international instructor Gerd Hummel from Phoenix Taekwon-Do in Port Elizabeth.
Barend Snyman has a combination of over 30 years of Martial art training experience dating back to 1989 when he started a 8 year journey in JKA Shotokan Karate, followed by many years of training under different styles such as Ninjitsu, judo, Wing Chung and Muay Thai as a hobby while he was finishing his academic pursuits.
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In 2016 Barend was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and had to start very aggressive chemo therapy. However, this did not stop Barend from teaching his classes and even competing at a national event 3 days after a chemo session. Barend made a full recovery and has been cancer free ever since.
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In 2017 Mercury Taekwon-Do had the privilege to host the National Taekwon-Do champs in Melkbos, Cape Town, WC. The event was a great success and all who attended had a great experience.
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Also n 2017 Barend attended an advanced instructor course for Haidong Gumdo, the Korean Sword fighting art. Since then he has improved his rank to 3rd degree instructor in ITF Taekwon-Do and Haidong Gumdo. He is currently preparing for his 4th Dan grading in both styles.
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In 2018 Mercury Taekwon-Do expanded into West Coast Korean Martial Art Centre and has been growing the centre through community service events and a dedication to effective teaching.
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In 2022 after Covid -19 lockdowns ended, WCKMAC managed to acquire their very own premises and have been going strong eversince.
Barend has a passion for teaching and achieving the goals that he sets for his students. He believes that Martial Art training is one of the best ways to grow as an individual and would like to see it taught in every school as a curriculum one day.
Martial Arts needs to be available for any and every one.
Achievements
Barend Snyman as a student has on many occasion’s proven his skills by collecting gold medals in all different categories of competition in Local, Provincial and National Tournaments.
As an instructor he has proven that with no assisting instruction he was able to take 3 students to the 2014 CHR National South African Championship and return with each student proudly showing their medals off.
